The football season officially commenced on August 13, 2023, as high school teams across Maryland gathered for practice following the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) regulations. At Bel Air High School, excitement filled the air as players arrived, ready for a long season ahead.
Coaches likened the atmosphere to Christmas morning, with players entering the school, equipment in hand, exchanging fist bumps and smiles. The Bobcats, a well-respected team in Harford County, welcomed The Aegis for an exclusive look at their first practice. The day began early, with activities kicking off at 6:30 a.m. and lasting until around 11:00 a.m.
Upon arrival, Coach Eric Siegel was already on site, anticipating potential equipment issues. He was right; one player forgot his jersey, while others who missed earlier equipment handouts needed to be fitted for helmets and shoulder pads. The buzz of anticipation was palpable as the team prepared for their first official gathering.
As players arrived, Owen Reilly, a returning All-Aegis offensive lineman, stood out. Siegel noted his potential, praising him as one of the best players he has coached, alongside former player Julien Horton. With four Division I offers already in hand, Reilly’s future looks promising as he enters his junior season.
The coaching staff, which includes notable figures like Julian Pickett and his father, Earl Jones, worked to foster a positive environment. Jones, known for his energy and encouragement, set the tone for the practice, which aimed to focus on fundamentals rather than contact.
As the players gathered outside, they were organized into two lines, ready to march onto the field. Siegel reminded them of the importance of teamwork, stating, “We walk into practice as a team, together, as a group. We walk out together as a group. Same as game day.”
With around 75 players in attendance, the mood was enthusiastic as they began their first practice on the grass field. Following warm-up laps and stretching, players donned Guardian caps, which are designed to reduce the risk of concussions—a growing trend in both high school and professional football.
Assistant coaches prepared the field, and among them was Steve Gaubatz, a firefighter who returned to coaching after losing a leg less than a year ago. Siegel expressed admiration for Gaubatz, whose rapport with the players has made him a respected figure on the team.
As practice progressed, players engaged in conditioning sprints and skill drills. Initially, the focus was on introducing plays and reinforcing team dynamics. However, it was not long before Siegel implemented a form of discipline when players neglected to pick up equipment, resulting in additional sprints.
The practice continued with players breaking into position groups. Offensive linemen worked on techniques to enhance their power, while quarterbacks focused on developing their skills without the graduated Patrick Sullivan to guide them. This season, Michael Moore is expected to step into the starting role.
As the morning unfolded, the atmosphere shifted from skill development to competitive drills. Players participated in 7-on-7 exercises, where they tested their mettle against the defense. Moore showcased his passing abilities, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.
As the practice concluded, Siegel emphasized the need for continuous improvement. “Every day needs to be a step forward,” he stated, reinforcing the team’s commitment to excellence. The Bobcats left the field, chanting their new rallying cry as they marched in unison, ready to return the following day for another round of practice.
With the season officially underway, the Bel Air High football team is focused on preparing for upcoming challenges. Players will begin wearing shoulder pads on August 15, with their first scrimmage scheduled for the following week and the first regular season game just three weeks away. The promise of autumn nights filled with competitive football lies ahead, but first, the team must navigate the summer heat and prepare for the battles to come.
